Shock before the Oscars

Wilhelmina Models president Sean Patterson has abruptly left the company on the eve of the Oscars. Sources said Patterson exited on Friday after disagreements between him and Mark E. Schwarz of New Century Equity, which acquired Wilhelmina in 2009. We’re told Patterson, who’d personally built the agency which boasts clients including Fergie, and Schwarz didn’t see eye-to-eye on how the company should be run. Patterson’s exit has sparked a string of resignations with staff in New York and LA who handed in resignations on Friday. “I own many shares in the company and wish the team of agents all of my gratitude and love. I am very excited for my next step,” Patterson said in an e-mail.